Wildwood, New Jersey is a top destination among East Coast beaches. The popular Jersey beach town’s many attractions include craft shows, parades, truck and motocross races, food and music festivals, and weekly fireworks. Wildwood is famous for its sandy beaches and boardwalk, packed with family-friendly entertainment. The city is known for being of America’s highest beaches and hosting various festivals. There are certainly enough things to do in Wildwood NJ for both kids and adults.
When’s the weather best in Wildwood NJ to visit?
While Wildwood is a great destination any time of year, many visitors agree that the best time to come is during the summer months. The weather is consistently warm and sunny from June to August, with temperatures in the 80s and water temperatures typically around 70, making it ideal for days spent lounging on the beach. However, it can get very crowded on holiday weekends.
If you’re looking for a traditional beach vacation, there’s no better time to visit Wildwood than during the summer months. Like most Jersey Shore beach towns, the boardwalk comes to life during the summer, with an endless array of shops, restaurants, and carnival rides. Visitors can also enjoy various events and festivals, from concerts and firework displays to sand sculpting competitions.
Things to Do in Wildwood NJ
Here’s our list of things to do in Wildwood NJ that we think you should check out.
1. Walk the Wildwood Boardwalk
The boardwalk is one of Wildwood’s most iconic tourist attractions. Spanning nearly two miles (38 blocks), there are over 100 stores to visit, including arcades, candy shops, restaurants, souvenir booths, and more. There are even places for you to grab some grub throughout the boardwalk, with options like fried Oreos, pizza, cotton candy, funnel cakes… even cheesesteak!
Wildwood’s boardwalk is bustling each year with fun activities and great entertainment. One of the best things to do in Wildwood, NJ, is take a ride on the giant wheel. It has gondolas that seat six people, giving you an eyeful of panoramic views as it climbs 200 feet into the sky (you can even have breakfast on it).
Some other activities that you can find on the boardwalk include mini-golf, Jet Ski rentals, and parasailing. There are fireworks shows over the beaches in Wildwood throughout the summertime every Friday night. And always remember, “watch the tram car please!”
2. Visit Absecon Lighthouse
Fancy a drive? Absecon Lighthouse is located near Atlantic City and about an hour from Wildwood. It is one of the tallest lighthouses in the United States, standing about 175 feet tall.
There are many things to do at this historic site throughout the year, including climbing up 228 steps to reach the top for an excellent view or attending special events like open-house tours and lighthouse festivals.
3. Check Out Longport Fishing Pier in Somers Point, then visit “America’s Happiest Seaside Town,” Ocean City, NJ
The Longport Fishing Pier is a favorite summertime destination for fishermen at the Jersey Shore. It has some of the best public saltwater fishing conditions along the Atlantic Coast. Neighboring Ocean City, NJ, was recently named “America’s Happiest Seaside Town” by Coastal Living magazine, and as a “dry” town is super kid-friendly at all hours of the day and night.
You can find seafood restaurants, shops, and arcade games on the Ocean City boardwalk during peak season, one of New Jersey’s finest, alongside amazing people-watching opportunities. If you’re looking to enjoy some time on the beach, there’s also a public beach right across from it that’s open to the public.
4. Go for a Swim at the Beach for FREE
With five miles of shoreline, it’s no wonder that visitors to this seaside town flock here each summer to enjoy playing on and relaxing on its sandy beaches.
The Wildwoods’ entire beachfront is free and open to the public, making it the most extensive free beach on the Jersey Shore (many other towns require the purchase of “beach tags”). If you’re interested in taking a deeper dive into fun activities at the beach, try your hand at surfing lessons (for both children and adults), jet skiing or renting a boat), fishing off piers, or kayaking.
5. Get a Bite to Eat
There are plenty of high-quality restaurants in Wildwood, NJ, with many views overlooking the sea! One of the most highly rated spots is the Surfside West Diner. If you’re looking for a more upscale meal, the Cattle ‘n Clover Irish Pub and Steak House should be high on your list.
6. Play Mini Golf
The boardwalk in Wildwood, NJ, has quite a few mini-golf courses! At Starlux Mini Golf, there are three fantastic courses located side by side — the Beach, Ocean, and Boardwalk courses, giving you the chance to make a day of playing mini-golf with your friends and family.
7. Check Out the Boardwalk (and off-Boardwalk) Arcades
If you want to play classic arcade games or just have some fun with friends at Wildwood’s boardwalk arcades, there are a couple of different options available for you here!
Within a short walk of each other and Morey’s Piers are several to check out, including Mariner’s and Bobby Dees. There’s also the Retro Arcade, a must-see for those into old-school arcade games.
8. See an Event at the Wildwoods Convention Center
For those looking to take in some of the best entertainment that Wildwood offers, check out the events happening over at The Wildwoods Convention Center! Situated on the beachfront and close enough for you to walk from any hotels and motels here, this state-of-the-art structure hosts numerous competitions, shows, and events.
9. Go to a Wildwood Concert
Wildwood has always been considered a fun-loving and exciting town, a reputation that continues into its music scene. If you love listening to bands playing tunes from your favorite artists, head over here for some concerts at one of the different bars and clubs here in town.
The Barefoot Country Music Festival happens in June, and nearby North Wildwood hosts Concerts Under the Stars from July through September.
10. Spend the Day on LBI With Your Family
For those looking to visit one of the most beautiful barrier islands around, be sure to head over to Long Beach Island. Also known as LBI or ‘The Island,’ this hot spot is perfect for families looking to escape from it all.
You can find plenty of great places to eat (including some delicious food trucks during the warmer months). There are ample opportunities for shopping, interactive children’s play areas, horseback riding, camping facilities, trails for walking/ jogging/ biking, fishing spots, boating opportunities, and even water parks.
11. See Wildwood’s Beautiful Sunsets
This picture is self-explanatory.
Got a suggestion for other readers on things to do in Wildwood NJ? Let us know in the comments.